After a massive outcry of support, physics teacher Lynden Dorval hopes the discussion surrounding his suspension will bring about changes to the “no-zero” policy in schools.

“The support has certainly made me feel a lot better,” said Dorval Saturday.

“There’s some hope that maybe things will change if there’s enough support.”

Dorval was suspended from his post at Ross Sheppard High School this week for continuing to give students who fail to turn in assignments a big, fat goose egg.

The school demands teachers use comment evaluations like “unable to assess” when students don’t hand in work. Dorval opted for marking students with zeroes and was suspended for insubordination.

His story ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding the policy, with many people supporting Dorval’s unwillingness to grade students with comments that don’t impact their overall grade.

“All this controversy and support might actually have an effect,” he said. The discussion has evolved into “What’s best for the students?” which Dorval says is “a very good thing.”

He believes it’s time for Jeff Johnson — Alberta’s newly-minted Education Minister — to clarify the part of the School Act that gives principals the unchecked power to “supervise evaluations.”

Johnson could not be reached for comment Saturday.

“The terminology is vague,” said Dorval.

“Certainly if the minister didn’t feel like that power should be there then they could re-word the School Act somehow.”

The 35-year veteran teacher outlines his policy to students at the beginning of every term.

He shows them their marks if they don’t turn in assignments and offers kids the option to complete make-up assignments if they miss one. He said he’s never received any pushback from students, parents or other teachers about his method which he called “more than fair.”

His own students took to social media websites like Twitter in his defense, as well as wrote letters and put up posters in the halls of Ross Sheppard reading: “Mr. Dorval, physics teacher, was expelled for giving a student a zero!”

Dorval has also been getting phone calls from retired teachers across Canada, each congratulating him for standing up to the policy and wishing him luck with his appeal.

The teacher will discuss his options with the Alberta Teachers’ Association on Monday, but was told “It’s something I have very little chance of winning.”

Michael Janz, public school board trustee for Ward F, told the Sun he intends to put forward a motion to review district assessment practices at the board’s next meeting on June 12.

The Edmonton Public School Board does not have a district-wide “no-zero” policy.